August Early Stage Program: Beginning Alzheimer's Support and Education(BASE). Nine week (2 hours once a week) program, in Lakeland. To qualify contact 863-292-9210 / thompsons@alzflgulf.org.

Support Groups

Alzheimer's Association-Florida Gulf Coast Chapter affiliated support groups are for family members, caregivers, and others interested in learning more about Alzheimer's disease. Meetings are open to everyone and free of charge. Support group facilitators have received training as required by Chapter and National Alzheimer's Association standards. For program information and to verify meeting dates, times, and locations, please use the telephone contacts listed below. For other questions or for respite care information so you can attend a group, call your local office or 1- 800-272-3900.

Message Boards: The Alzheimer's Association message boards and chat rooms are your online communication forum. Our message boards have over 9,000 registered members from around the United States, and many more people who simply browse the stories and information that is offered 24 hours a day. Join the Alzheimer's Association online community.

* Indicates Free Respite is provided by the support group host during the support group meeting. Please call in advance for reservations.

Early Stage Programs

The Alzheimer's Association has early stage dementia programs. Are you or someone you know experiencing early stage dementia? If so, you may be interested to participate in one of our early stage programs.

One such program is called BASE (Beginning Alzheimer's Support and Education) a educational and supportive program that runs two-hours a week for nine weeks. the program is intended for people with an early stage diagnoisis and their carepartners. The next program is starting in August. For more information contact us at 863-292-9210.

The Alzheimer's Association International Conference® (AAIC) serves as a catalyst for generating new knowledge about dementia and fostering a vital, collegial research community. It is the world's leading forum on dementia research.

Each year, thousands of the world's leading dementia researchers gather to share discoveries and innovative ideas in a forum that defines the field. In 2013, we'll celebrate 25 years of progress while shaping a future that answers our questions about Alzheimer's and dementia.

Walk to End Alzheimer's is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, this inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future for millions.

Get involved by forming a Walk to End Alzheimer's team, or join the Alzheimer's Association - Polk County Team.

Caregivers may find that with so many responsibilities self care is placed as a lesser priority than care of a loved one. Yet, staying physically and emotionally strong is key to healthier caregiving. To this end, this column is dedicated to health promotion and personal care for the caregiver.

Time to Get Moving: 10 Will Get You 60

Joel Carrier, volunteer AAFGCC, family caregiver

No pain, no gain? No way.

You probably already know that physical activity tops the list of stress-busters. And that health gurus recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise at least five times per week for improving physical and mental health.

So what can 10 minutes of physical activity each day do for you? For starters, it can net 60 minutes worth of metabolic effects - which is a huge return on investment for caregivers living hyper-shortened days.

Compound this by seven days a week and, whew! It's like seven hours at the gym. Only better.

No time? No worries.

Short bursts of daily exercise don't require a gym membership, exercise equipment, personal trainer or even leaving the house. A definite plus for caregivers who are already overtaxed and who can't easily fit in a workout on a regular basis.

And making time in your day can be easy, fun, satisfying and entirely doable.

Start the day with a quick walk around the block

Ride a bike to the drug or convenience store

Take advantage of stairs

Buy a jump rope - and use it

Play a game of hoops or hopscotch with the kids

Purchase an inexpensive set of exercise bands - and use them

The point is to get up and move your body for 10 minutes a day. Chances are when you do, you won't want to stop.

Planning for the future is a necessary part of life. Having a solid legal plan in place - including proper legal documents - is especially important for the person with dementia though, because it helps ensure that the person's wishes are followed when he or she can no longer speak for himself or herself.

Standard legal documents include power of attorney, health care surrogate, living will, do not resuscitate order (DNRO), standard will, living trust and guardianship/conservatorship. Some forms are available for free through the Florida Department of Health:

Because laws vary by state and are constantly changing, consulting with an attorney who specializes in elder law is highly recommended. To find a lawyer in your area, contact our office or visit one of the following websites.

Once the documents have been filled out and authorized, give appropriate copies (e.g. DNRO on yellow legal paper) to physicians and other care personnel. Caregivers should keep a set with them and make available to emergency professionals when necessary. It is also important to communicate directly with each medical facility to be sure they understand your loved one's wishes, and that orders in the documents will be carried out as directed. In some cases -- a planned hospital procedure, for instance - the facility may require its own internal documents be filled out. Be sure to clarify this, in advance, with each facility.

Caregiver Jewels

Emily Reese, Program Specialist, AAFGCC

June Tip

Activities

A caregiver shared information on a respite video he plays for his wife when he needs to occupy her so he can have a little time to pay bills, do chores around the home or just have a few quiet moments to himself. The video gives the caregiver a temporary break while engaging his wife's attention and providing her with stimulation. The video can be obtained through Videorespite.

Providing a daily routine of activities is important for the person with dementia. Activities provide a sense of purpose and can help decrease anxiety and challenging behaviors. Keeping the person active during the day can also help promote better sleep at night. For an activity to be successful it needs to accommodate the person's current abilities. For example, a bridge player may find the game too challenging but still enjoy playing a simple game of go fish.

For more information on activities and creating a daily plan visit these links:

About this columnCaregiver Jewels is a column featuring caregiving tips by family and professional caregivers throughout our 17 county service area. These "golden nuggets" represent caregiving strategies and tricks of the trade. For the column to be a success we need your input!It may be a "golden nugget" you say to get your loved one to attend a program or an activity to redirect their attention. Whether your tip is a diamond, emerald or ruby - all are valuable! So, please share the wealth! Send your tip to reesee@alzflgulf.org or contact your local office.

Note: The information in this column is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Alzheimer's Navigator

When facing Alzheimer's disease, there are a lot of things to consider. Alzheimer's Navigator helps guide you to answers by creating a personalized action plan and linking you to information, support and local resources. Learn more.

If you have questions, concerns or just wish to talk to someone please feel free to contact us.